User Reviews

Strengths: Well designed and well packaged. The fit and finish of the product is outstanding, with attention to detail, good machining, etc. Light is bright with a good, all purpose beam distribution.

Weaknesses: A little pricier than MagicShine's similar offering, but the extra $$ goes to a higher quality build, USA manufacturing, and hands-down the best customer service I've experienced.

Bottom Line:

I had originally purchased the magicshine but returned it due to the old battery-overheating issue that plagued them some time ago. At that time, I instead bought the new A-51 during the introductory pre-sale.

The light is suitably bright for riding fast. I haven't outrun the light while hauling through the woods or the desert. The light has a nice beam distribution which works well for helmet mounting. The connector used is sturdy as all get out, and the screw-type connector won't come disconnected during riding. I also like the well-thought-out detail of having a breakaway helmet mount, so if you snag your light on a tree it will drop off, not break your neck. (Genius!)

If you are out to get the cheapest, brightest light possible, then there are other options. If quality, warranty, customer service, USA made, etc. is important to you, then you can do no better. I was initially hesitant to spend the extra money for the A-51, but I am glad I did.

The guys at JetLites have always been super friendly whether contacted via phone or email, and have even provided support out of the warranty period. I can't say enough good things about them, and will definitely look to pick up a second light from them for my bar mounts.

Weaknesses: Rectangular battery a little bulky but once secured or pocketed I don't notice it.

Bottom Line:

I waited a year until I got some good ride time in with this unit. I really like it. I usually use my Milion on the handlebars and the A-51 on my helmet but the A-51 is bright enough to use on its own on the dark, dark trail that I night ride on. Took a second to figure out the battery; it will discharge if left plugged up to the light, without the light being on, which surprised me one very dark night. A call to Jetlites got this straightened out and no problems since.

Strengths: Excellent lights for the trail, customer service is second to none!

Weaknesses: None that I've found

Bottom Line:

Although I have an older model (the i13), I felt like I had to give a solid thumbs up for the customer service. I actually rented a set of these lights for a 24 hour race first and then decided to purchase them. The company also has a cool rental program so you could rent an extra battery pack for them if you are doing a 24 hour race.
I've had them for about 6 or 7 years now and they still work great!
At one point, I had an issue with one of the lights and they sent a new light immediately. Customer service means a lot and these guys know what they're doing.

Strengths: Very bright, light weight, solid connectors, good run time, sturdy mount, smart charger, made in the USA, outstanding JETlite customer service.

Weaknesses: This is a reach, but like others have said, maybe the beam could be a little more focused. But it's certainly not a true weakness.

Bottom Line:

Another outstanding light from JET. I bought my first one in '02 and can't foresee ever buying another brand. The product is great and the customer service is just as good. You can buy one with confidence that you're getting a good value from a solid company here in the USA.

What a difference to my early AM commute. Wow. Every reflector in town lit up like it was battery powered, from joggers' vests to road hardware. Got both the helmet and handlebar mounts. As others have said, the mounts are tough. Light worked right out of the box, didn't need to train the battery. Will get a ton of use this Spring.

Strengths: Lumen per dollar, this light is by far the best deal on the market. 720 lumens for $200 is better than the competition by itself, but then add the JET quality and reputation, and the deal is unbeatable.

Weaknesses: The beam pattern isn't quite perfect. IF you are riding fast enough, you might be able to outride the beam. I'd prefer a slightly more focused beam. But only slightly.

Strengths: good design, sturdy mounts, easy mounting. nice bright beam, consistent and decent run time. I haven't run through the battery yet.

Weaknesses: very little so far. I'm running the same lights on the bar and helmet mount, and would like a bit more spot brightness with the helmet. That would be the only weakness, is not enough spot brightness.

Bottom Line:

Good light, very bright. 720 lumens 2x is more than enough to ride frighteningly (and euphorically) fast at night. The price was good compared to other brands. Others guys I ride with just got the magicshine for less than $100 is as bright or brighter, but with less warranty time than the jet lites. I chose to keep my $$ with a US company with a good history of customer support.